A care community for adolescents and young adults
When you’re a teen or young adult with cancer, you can feel isolated from people your age. After all, your life is really different from the lives of your friends and peers. However, you’re not alone. Approximately 70,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 39 are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer is a medical specialty focusing specifically on treating cancer and blood disorders in people your age.
AYA Cancer: An emerging field
Traditionally, AYAs had to choose between cancer care programs developed for children under 15 or adults over 40. However, recent research has shown that adolescents and young adults have distinct needs and tailoring care to those needs can significantly impact outcomes. As a result, organizations like Children’s Minnesota have developed treatment programs, research initiatives and environments specifically focused on AYAs.
What makes AYAs different?
AYAs with cancer have unique biological, clinical, emotional and social needs.
Compared to younger patients, AYAs often:
- Take more active roles in their treatment and treatment decisions
- Have more concerns about returning to work or school and financial or insurance issues
- Need to address cancer’s impacts on sexuality, dating and relationships
Compared to older patients, AYAs often:
- Respond better to pediatric treatments
- Focus more on long-term effects related to cancer and treatment
- Have concerns about infertility and family planning
AYA Cancer at Children’s Minnesota
The AYA cancer program at Children’s Minnesota provides specialized AYA care that you simply cannot find anywhere else in our region. Our multidisciplinary, AYA care team will work with you and your family to create a treatment plan personalized to your cancer and your life. From diagnosis and treatment to recovery and beyond, the Children’s team will ensure you get the medical, emotional and social support you need.
Find out more about why Children’s Minnesota’s AYA cancer program might be right for you.
